June 28, 2026 to July 04, 2026

This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news coverings foreign affairs and international relations. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Want to track other GR news in related areas? Don't miss this week's updates in Defence and Social Issues. Also consider subscribing to our Foreign Affairs - Ottawa edition covering critical GR news north of the border.

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📜 Legislative Updates
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

Emergency Declaration Temporarily Suspends Duties on Phosphate Fertilizer from Morocco

President Donald J. Trump issued an emergency proclamation on June 29, 2026, temporarily suspending anti-dumping and countervailing duties on phosphate fertilizer imports from Morocco for up to eight months, citing threats to supply critical for U.S. agriculture. The action invokes Section 318 of the Tariff Act of 1930, authorizing duty-free importation and enabling the Secretaries of Treasury and Commerce to monitor supply and report to Congress. Domestic production is noted as insufficient to meet demand, and the administration is pursuing expansion of U.S. manufacturing capacity. These measures aim to ensure availability of fertilizers for crops such as corn, soybeans, and wheat, amid global supply chain disruptions caused by conflict and trade actions.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov, www.whitehouse.gov

State Department Delegates Authority for Treaty Negotiation, Conclusion, and Termination

Secretary of State Marco Rubio on June 25, 2026, delegated authority under Section 1 of the State Department Basic Authorities Act and the Circular 175 procedure to key departmental officers to negotiate, conclude, and terminate treaties and international agreements, including Deputy Secretaries and Under Secretaries for Political Affairs, Economic Affairs, Arms Control, and several other portfolios. Delegation 311 from March 28, 2008, is revoked. The Secretary retains discretion to exercise any functions delegated. The notice was published in the Federal Register on July 2, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

OFAC Sanctions Actions: Sudan-Related Entities and Individuals

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) published its sanctions actions on June 26, 2026, blocking property and interests in property of individuals and entities linked to destabilizing Sudan and undermining democratic transition, pursuant to Executive Order 14098. Designated parties include Alok Choudhari (SBL Energy Limited), Jack Peter Derman Guzman, Fredy Alejandro Lopez Ocampo, Tariq Hussain Muhammad Madani, and Enrique Daniel Palacios Quintanilla (Talent Bridge, S.A. and Target Multiactivities Company Ltd). Transactions by U.S. persons with these parties are prohibited.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Department of Education Proposes Rescission of Regulations for International Education and Fulbright-Hays Programs

On July 1, 2026, the Department of Education announced a proposed rule to rescind regulations governing International Education Programs (Title VI of the Higher Education Act) and Fulbright-Hays Program. The stated objective is to provide greater flexibility in program implementation, aligning with evolving national priorities. The change is expected to reduce administrative burden and enable grantee-driven interpretation of statutory requirements, continuing grant oversight in accordance with statutory and general grant rules. The rule is open for public comment until July 31, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Commerce Department Initiates Five-Year (Sunset) Reviews of Trade Orders

The International Trade Administration initiated five-year (Sunset) reviews of antidumping and countervailing duty orders on July 2, 2026, in accordance with section 751(c) of the Tariff Act of 1930 and 19 CFR 351.218(c). Products under review include iron tables, magnesia carbon bricks, metal lockers, utility scale wind towers, and seamless refined copper pipes from China, India, Malaysia, Mexico, Spain, and Vietnam. The U.S. International Trade Commission is conducting parallel reviews. Interested parties must file notices of intent to participate within 15 days of the notice's publication.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

NATO Protection Bill

H.R. 7016 would prohibit actions or use of federal funds to invade NATO countries and territories. Latest action: Referred to the House Committee on Rules.

Sources: SOURCE NOT FOUND

Disapproval of Foreign Military Sale to Turkey

A bill expresses congressional disapproval of proposed foreign military sales to Turkey of certain defense articles and services. Latest action: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• EXCLUSIVE: Canada aims to announce 10 countries backing global defence bank at NATO summit: Reuters reports Canada is set to unveil a coalition supporting a global defense bank at the NATO summit.
• India and Japan Expand Defense and Economic Ties: The New York Times covers India and Japan's expanded cooperation on defense and trade.
• With Trump in His Corner, Erdogan Gets an Easier Ride From NATO Partners: WSJ analyzes the dynamic between President Trump and Turkey's Erdogan in NATO discussions.
• Opinion | The ‘Christian’ Putin’s Alliance With the Taliban: WSJ examines Russia’s developing strategic relationship with the Taliban.
• Opinion | Britain’s Disappointing Defense Plan: The Wall Street Journal critiques the new UK defense spending plan.
• ‘Democracy Matters’ Review: The Great Experiment, in Progress: WSJ reviews a new book on democratic systems and their global challenges.
• Warsh and peace: Reuters assesses recent developments in global markets and their impact on international stability.
• Opinion | The West Has Let Russia Off the Hook. Time to Tighten the Screws.: The New York Times discusses calls for firmer action against Russia.
• Keeping Qatar talks strait: Politico follows U.S. diplomatic moves regarding Qatar.
• Democracy promotion: WSJ explores efforts to safeguard democratic practices worldwide.

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